An Australian cyclist accidentally trapped a 2m eastern brown snake in her bike chain before it bit her | World News

A routine ride through northern New South Wales turned into an unusual wildlife incident when a cyclist unknowingly rode over a large snake on a popular rail trail. What happened next unfolded in a matter of moments. The reptile reportedly got stuck on the bike’s chain, with part of its body trapped while the rest was free to move. As people nearby tried to understand what had happened, the injured snake lashed out, biting the rider before trained snake catchers arrived. Although eastern brown snakes are capable of delivering highly dangerous venom, the outcome of this encounter was far less severe than imagined. The woman was treated at the hospital and released, but the snake was too badly injured to be rescued.

venomous snake Australian cyclist bitten after being trapped in bike chain

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the incident occurred on the North River Railway Trail near Burringbar, Tweed County, in the early afternoon.The cyclist, believed to be a woman in her 60s, was riding along the route when her bike struck a snake estimated to be about two meters long. Instead of leaving, the reptile twisted into the bike’s chain and gear assembly, creating an unexpected and dangerous situation for everyone nearby.Emergency crews were called to the scene shortly after 1 p.m. The cyclist was bitten on the thigh and was taken to Tweed Valley Hospital. Health authorities later confirmed her condition was stable and she was discharged the next morning.

Snake catcher reveals why rescue is so dangerous

Turns out, removing the snake from the bike is no easy task. Snake catcher Sarah Mailey was called to the situation. She later explained that while the animal’s middle part was tightly trapped in the chain, its upper body was still completely free to attack. This means anyone trying to release it is at risk of being bitten.To prevent further injury, Ms Meili first immobilized the snake’s head while police and people at the scene carefully released the rest of the snake’s body from the bike. When it was untied, the extent of its injuries became clear.

Why the bite was not as severe as expected

The Eastern Brown Snake is one of Australia’s most venomous snakes and is responsible for many serious snakebite cases across the country.Despite this reputation, not every bite injects venom. Medical staff determined that the cyclist suffered what is known as a dry bite, in which the venom was either not released or the amount entered the body was too small to cause intoxication.The result means the woman avoided potentially life-threatening complications of eastern brown snake envenomation, although medical evaluation and observation after the bite is still crucial.

Snake expert shares safety advice after unusual bike attack

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail reportedly passes through large swaths of farmland, bushland and natural habitats common to snakes.Ms Miley said despite increasing numbers of visitors using the trail, the reptiles still took over the area. She also noted that the injured snake appeared to have eye problems, raising the possibility that it may not have seen the approaching bike before the collision.She encourages cyclists and walkers to carry compression bandages when passing through areas known to be home to venomous snakes. While you are waiting for emergency medical assistance, immediate first aid can make a big difference.